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dred selections an allusion should occur which is not
understood, an explanation will be found by turning to
the name of the hero or heroine in the Index to the Age
of Fable, and reading the story over again, which it is
hoped will not be an irksome task.

A poet has told us, "A thing of beauty is a joy for-
ever." Abundant proof of the truth of this remark
will be found in these pages. Let us take but one in-
stance. The poet (Ovid) who first told of the abduc-
tion of Proserpine, added, in a single line, that the loss
of the flowers which she had been gathering increased
her grief. This incident, so simple and natural, has so
impressed itself on the imagination of succeeding poets
and artists, that it has ever since been an unfailing
accompaniment of the story, whether told by pencil,
pen, or plastic art; and allusions to it will be found of
frequent recurrence in all literature. Specimens of
these may be seen at page 67, which might have been
multiplied indefinitely, had our space permitted.

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This book is intended to be read in connection
with the former volume of the same author,
the Age
of Fable. But it may be read independently by those
who have already some acquaintance with mythology, or,
in place thereof, with such help as the conversation of a
parent or elder brother or sister may supply. It is hoped
that the collection of so many gems of fancy from the
whole range of British and American poets will afford
gratification, as well as instruction, to the reader.

The Grecian mythology is so intimately connected with the
works of the greatest poets, that it will continue to be interest-
ing as long as classical poetry exists, and must form an indis-
pensable part of the education of the man of literature, and of
the gentleman. BURKE.

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